Thursday, 27 November 2008

Do you look out for new plants at garden centres, new bird sightings in the garden or on the beach or how about trying to spot camouflaged wildlife out in the wild? When I began this blog I guess I could honestly only answer ‘Yes’ to the plants. I knew some birds visited my garden but I guess I just took these visits for granted.

My bookshelf now has Bird and Wildlife books joining the Gardening and Plants ones. My interests have increased and I do hope I have passed on some of my enthusiasm for learning more about what visits our gardens too. When on holiday I am always drawn to visit new gardens but now I also look up wildlife reserves too.

The trip of the year for me (ticking all boxes) has to be Pensthorpe Nature Reserve in July where I found a fantastic garden by Piet Oudolf as a bonus! I didn’t go there for the plants though. This was a trip to see birds. However, my bird recognition was really minimal so with my camera I snapped what caught my eye not knowing if these birds were special or not.

Firstly, it was the shear numbers of birds that really took me by surprise. They were everywhere from the water to the paths we walked on.

Next it was the variety of shapes, colour and plumage that we could see (I’m getting the lingo now). We were also being followed… thanks to my daughter having a bag of seed (bought when we arrived) in her pocket. We took refuge in one of the enclosures and discovered that some birds are not quite as pretty as others and I was feeling a little uncomfortable taking my photos.

Ducks, ducks, were every where on the water as my daughter dropped seed from the wooden walkways to feed them. Some birds spun around and round on the same spot like dodgem cars at the Fairground.

It was funny to watch. They made quite a noise too but one bird really caught my eye there – quite a thug it was too. The coot (seen in first montage with white beak) was being quite aggressive towards the other birds really making its presence known in the crowd!

We followed paths to other areas which went from woodland out to a waters edge once again. It was a warm day and many birds were now preening and sunbathing too.

I found it amusing to see oyster catchers on floating gravel decks. Oyster catchers quite commonly nest on roofs of schools in Scotland and feeding their young coincides with exam time giving the pupils a little extra stress with the noise they make then!

So have I any favourite bird sightings from Pensthorpe? Well, funnily enough I do have a couple and not ones I would have expected. I am guessing they are both waders and I do believe both juveniles too.

I have seen photos of waders in many other blogs but I have to admit they have never really caught my attention before this visit. However, the Ruff in the photo below I found completely enchanting seeing it walk around the shallow water.

The Black-necked Stilt also caught my eye and what a noisy little thing it was too! You will hear it in my short video. This clip is a bit wobbly as I was trying to take it out of the way of other visitors.

I have also dropped the sound at one point as there were people talking around me too. It gives you an idea of how it moves about and me a great memory of this day too.

One of the first birds I noticed when we walked out on to the reserve were the young Moorhens running around looking for parents to follow. Funnily enough they were also the last as I left through another gate.

The video clip below was taken in the butterfly garden and there were no other birds around. I didn’t spot any butterflies either! However, the ‘parent’ Moorhen found something to feed the young from the Astilbes!

There is background music in this video.

Once again, I had to cut the sound out as I was not the only one who spotted the young Moorhen in the shallow water. My clip was being narrated by other visitors also delighted to see it. I moved to the other side of the water to get a closer (not clearer) view of this lovely moment. I nice surprise end to my visit.

Seeing birds at a Reserve really is a great way to see birds most of us would never see otherwise. However, I suppose it is a little like going to a Zoo for birds. Then again, just like Zoo’s, conservation is also a big issue for birds and reserves play a huge part with that too.

The birds we saw definitely looked at home there that is for sure. Reserves are also a place for food and shelter for any passing or migratory birds and I would imagine they, just like me in my garden, will be delighted to see new birds arrive.

There are many, many blogs that post on ‘birding’ days out where people like Tricia or Lisa head to an area that they have perhaps seen birds before or have heard will be there. My hat goes off to them and anyone else for their patience in watching for, trying to photograph and then posting on the birds they see – quite, quite different from my visit to Pensthorpe.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Pensthorpe seeing the plants, birds and wildlife there. I have one ‘small’ extra posting in mind yet. I should perhaps say I have posted larger individual photos of the birds in my montages to support this posting if anyone is interested in ID's.

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank-you to the members of the Birdforum who helped me out with my ID’s. I would never have known where to start with some of them.

All photos and video shown above were taken at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve in Norfolk, England in July 2008.

Karen – Yes, these really were only a small sample of the variety of birds that were there. I couldn’t guess how many species. Ah… baldy was curious to look at and the name doesn’t at all conjure up its image – the Maribou stork ;-) I assume you were referring to the grey bird and not the black one. Have a great weekend :-D

Tricia – I could well imagine it would! I can also see by your posts that you love it. Your enthusiasm shines through and that is why I added your link here. My passion is for plants and, like you with birds, I will go and visit areas that I know a particular plant will be in flower from snowdrops to meconopsis. The trick it knowing where to look but it is fantastic when you just stumble upon something you don’t expect isn’t it. I will admit I do look to see how many birds I recognise when I am out now too. Enjoy your birding weekend :-D

Beautiful photos! I too love the birds. Just purchased a new tube bird feeder for the smaller ones yesterday. I find myself reading more and more books and magazines on how to attract them to my gardens. I guess if you're a gardener, you're likely a lover of the birds too!Brenda

Hi Shirl, I have enjoyed your blog this past year and will continue to do so! I am a birdwatcher too and am always snapping photos. I like visiting here to see your videos, which are always interesting! Jan

Lisa Yes, it was a delight to see at the time. I am as much lucky as patient with my video captures! You are welcome with the link :-D

Brenda Thank-you! How great to hear of you enjoying the birds in your garden as much as I do mine. I too, find myself reading more and more too :-D

Jan I am delighted to hear you enjoy your visits to my blog! It is fun to snap photos of the birds – I guess it is the challenge of trying to get them. I also enjoy making the videos and am delighted to hear you enjoy them too :-D

OSPREY WEBCAM Loch of Lowes

GARDEN VISITS, WALK WITH ME...

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I’ve noticed Sparrowhawks appear in the garden during wind and rain. To see my more regular visitors they are hiding behind the handsome chap above – just click on his photo :-)

BLUE TIT NESTBOX DIARY 2010

Six eggs, two attentive parents, hundreds of caterpillars, insects & live mealworms. Result… six chicks successfully fledge! Click on photo link above to follow their story through chat, photos & video.

WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I?

My small garden is in Perthshire, Scotland. I don’t have salmon in my pond, red deer in my borders, ospreys nesting in my acers or red squirrels at my peanut feeders! Nor do I have the world’s highest hedge, paths exciting enough for the serious cyclist and enough of a lawn for golf! However, Perthshire does plus many beautiful gardens too… follow the photo link above to see :-)